YourProduceGuy shows you how to grow your own garlic at home. I got my garlic that I'll be using as seeds from Hood River Garlic. I absolutely love garlic and am excited to have my own home grown garlic growing in my back yard.

How to Grow Garlic at Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Garlic, known for its distinct flavor and numerous health benefits, is a versatile and rewarding plant to grow in your own backyard. In this guide, we will explore the process of growing garlic at home, from selecting the right varieties to planting and nurturing the bulbs until harvest. Whether you're a novice gardener or have some experience with other crops, this step-by-step tutorial will help you successfully cultivate your own garlic crop.

1. Selecting the Garlic Varieties

To start your garlic-growing journey, it's crucial to choose the right garlic varieties for your climate and taste preferences. In this video, we are introduced to two organic garlic varieties: Organic Susanville and Organic Shun Tang Purple. The former is a soft-neck garlic, while the latter is a hard-neck variety. Both are suitable for various climates, making them excellent choices for your home garden.

2. Unboxing and Preparing the Garlic

Once you have obtained your garlic bulbs, carefully unbox them, ensuring you handle them gently to avoid damage. In the video, the presenter showcases bags of organic garlic, emphasizing their certification. The next step is to separate the cloves, as each individual clove serves as a seed for growing a new garlic plant.

3. Planting Garlic: The Square Foot Method

To ensure proper spacing and optimize your garlic yield, the square foot planting method is recommended. This method involves creating designated planting squares within your garden bed. In the video, the presenter demonstrates planting four garlic cloves per square foot, leaving approximately five to six inches of space between each clove. By following this spacing guideline, your garlic plants will have ample room to grow and develop.

4. Planting the Garlic Cloves

After preparing your garden bed, it's time to plant the garlic cloves. Dig holes within the designated squares, ensuring the holes are deep enough to accommodate the cloves. In colder climates, it's essential to plant the cloves with a couple of inches of soil covering the top, providing insulation during the winter months. The pointed end of the clove should face upward, as this is where the stem will emerge.

5. Planting Different Varieties

If you are growing multiple garlic varieties, it's essential to label and differentiate them to avoid confusion during the growing process. In the video, the presenter demonstrates planting the second variety, Organic Shun Tang Purple, in a separate row, making it easier to identify during springtime.

6. Covering and Mulching

After planting the garlic cloves, cover them with approximately 2 inches of soil. This layer of soil will protect the cloves during the winter and prevent freezing. Additionally, consider applying a layer of composted straw or leaves as mulch to provide extra insulation and maintain consistent soil moisture.

7. Caring for Growing Garlic

Once your garlic is planted and covered, it's essential to provide proper care to ensure healthy growth. Here are some key considerations:

• Watering: Garlic requires consistent moisture, especially during the initial stages of growth. Water your garlic plants regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Weeding: Regularly remove weeds around your garlic plants to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• Fertilization: Consider applying organic fertilizer or compost during the growing season to provide essential nutrients for optimal growth.
• Pest Control: Monitor your garlic plants for signs of pests or diseases. If necessary, employ organic pest control methods to protect your crop.

8. Anticipating the Harvest

Garlic typically takes several months to mature and is usually ready for harvest in late spring or early to mid-summer, depending on your climate. During this time, the plants will produce long green stems called scapes. It is advisable to remove these scapes to divert energy towards bulb development. When the foliage starts to yellow and dry out, it's a good indication that the bulbs are nearing maturity.

9. Harvesting and Storing Garlic

To harvest your garlic, carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs using a garden fork or spade. Gently lift the plants from the ground, taking care not to damage the bulbs. Allow the garlic bulbs to dry in a well-ventilated area for a few weeks, ensuring they are protected from direct sunlight. Once thoroughly dried, trim the roots and store the garlic bulbs in a cool, dark place with low humidity.

In conclusion, growing garlic at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. By selecting suitable varieties, following proper planting techniques, and providing adequate care, you can harvest your very own fresh, flavorful garlic bulbs. Remember to maintain consistent watering, manage weeds, and be vigilant against pests. With patience and a green thumb, you'll soon be savoring the taste of your homegrown garlic in a variety of delicious dishes.

FAQs

1. Can I grow garlic in containers or pots? Yes, garlic can be successfully grown in containers or pots. Ensure that the containers are at least 6 inches deep and provide proper drainage. Use well-draining soil and follow the same planting and care instructions as for in-ground cultivation.
2. How long does it take for garlic to germinate? Garlic does not germinate in the traditional sense. Instead, it develops roots and shoots from individual cloves. Visible growth usually begins within a few weeks of planting, but it takes several months for the bulbs to fully mature.
3. Can I use store-bought garlic for planting? While it is possible to plant store-bought garlic, it is recommended to use garlic specifically intended for planting. Store-bought garlic may have been treated with growth inhibitors or chemicals that could affect its ability to grow successfully.
4. How do I prevent garlic bulbs from rotting in the ground? To prevent garlic bulbs from rotting, ensure that the soil is well-drained and does not become waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, especially during wet weather conditions. Applying a layer of mulch can also help regulate soil moisture and prevent excessive moisture accumulation around the bulbs.
5. Can I save some garlic bulbs from the harvest to use as planting stock for the next season? Absolutely! Saving some of your harvested garlic bulbs for planting stock in the next season is a great way to continue your garlic-growing journey. Choose healthy, undamaged bulbs, and store them in a cool, dry place until planting time.

Remember, growing garlic requires patience and attentiveness, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Enjoy the process, experiment with different varieties, and savor the delicious flavor of homegrown garlic in your culinary creations. Happy gardening!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always consult with a horticulturist or gardening expert for specific guidance tailored to your gardening needs.

Video source: YourProduceGuy / Youtube